Design-Reality Gap Analysis
Design-reality gap analysis compares the assumptions/requirements within the application design with the reality pertaining just before that design was implemented along seven 'ITPOSMO' dimensions:
• Information : the design did not seek to radically change the type of basic personnel information being used. However, it did assume a very different set of information storage locations and information flows by moving to a single system from the pre-existing multiple-storage system. It also assumed the presence of complete and accurate personnel data. In reality, the existing data was neither 100% complete nor 100% accurate. This created a medium/large design-reality gap on this dimension. Gap score: 7.
• Technology : the design assumed the use of a broad range of new software and hardware, including a series of networked PCs spread across the whole of the government and the use of human resource software. The initial reality was an entirely manual personnel information systems, with some PCs in use for word processing. The project's design assumption of a robust nation-wide telecommunications infrastructure largely matched national realities. This meant a medium/large design-reality gap on this dimension. Gap score: 7.